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Moon 340i and Speakers

I recently replaced my Arcam FMJ A32 integrated amp with a Moon 340i in my home office.  This is driving a pair of B&W 685 bookshelf speakers and a REL T3 sub.   It's hard to articulate the difference between the Moon and the Arcam, but lets just say its obviously a different beast .... I'm lovin' it.  Anyway, the only issue is that it does easily "overpower" the B&W's which is not too big of deal except with some recordings  I have to turn the juice down a bit to keep the high end from breaking up.  I am working on some room correction issues but I wondered if anyone had any experience with that amp in terms of speaker compatibility.  I live a long way from any brick and mortar retailers plus I have very little discretionary time  so it is difficult to audition equipment.   My limited research leads me to believe that Harbeth, Sonus, or Dynaudio might have products to consider.  My budget is around 2K, and they would need to be bookshelf or stand mounts due to limitations of the working space.    Thanks!

dafazz57
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 

Like everyone else has said, those tweeters are likely the issue.  I know exactly what you are describing and I didn't buy them for that very reason when I was demoing them.  

There are a lot of good options out there that will work very well with that Moon amp and the balance of your system.  Key is doing some listening.  

I personally would look at Dynaudio or Canton as they are big companies who deliver a strong value and have a smoother sound.  A used pair of Special 40s or Reference 9Ks would be insanely good.  

Full disclosure, I have no relationship with Dynaudio but am a Canton dealer.  

dafazz57 OP
7 posts
 

Thank you all very much.  That was exactly the type of information I was looking for.  I wonder if anyone has any experience with smaller Harbeths.  Even though I have never even seen any in real life, much less heard them, I have an unexplainable curiosity with them.  Who knows,  maybe the name?!? 

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 

Harbeth is a very good option.  I have had a bunch in on trade from them and have generally liked them .   They are incredibly popular and if you don’t get traction in this thread asking about them, start a thread asking about them and dozens will likely respond.  Tonally, they are very easy to listen too. 

big_greg
6,623 posts
 

Thank you all very much.  That was exactly the type of information I was looking for.  I wonder if anyone has any experience with smaller Harbeths.  Even though I have never even seen any in real life, much less heard them, I have an unexplainable curiosity with them.  Who knows,  maybe the name?!? 

I have Harbeth P3ESR SE speakers paired with a Simaudio 600i integrated along with a small subwoofer and it's a great combination.  It's in a fairly small room and perfect for the room.  I've gone through many speakers in this system and my main system, but these are unlikely to ever leave this system.  

freediver
1,155 posts
 

That is a WORLD CLASS amplifier,the speakers are in NO WAY worthy of such a fine front end...
Your going to get recommendations all over the board...IMO,simply choose ANY new or gently used speaker from one of the 3 manufacturers you already mentioned,or newer Spendors & you'll be HIGHLY satisfied...
 Try to stick with speakers made in the last 2 years..ALL of those recommendations moved from a slightly bass heavy,mid/high lean tone to a balanced,detailed,relaxed & almost lush tone..
 Harbeth P3 & similar size Spendors will be slightly bass lite...Similar size Dynaudios(Evoke 10)will be just a bit better balanced as Dynaudio has an amazing knack for coaxing more bass from similar size drivers & cabinets...
 The Fritz Carbon 7SE Mk.II is a decent speaker BUT I felt they had just too much of a dark chocolate tone compared to Dunaudio,Harbeth or newer Sonus Faber...
 

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